According to Pajiba, Paramount's search for a new director "has run into two issues: 1) they're looking for a director who can put the movie together for under $175 million, which sounds manageable, but they don't want anything resembling the crap effects of the '84 film, and 2) they want a director who already has a preexisting passion for the novel and is enthusiastic about the project."

The site claims that Paramount is shopping the project to two directors: District 9's Neill Blompkamp and The Descent's Neil Marshall. The latter, who is reportedly the fronrtunner, has been sent Josh Zetumer's screenplay adaptation. While producer Misher is said to be keen on him, Pajiba reports that Paramount "is somewhat tepid on Marshall, uncertain about handing over a $175 million film with franchise potential to a somewhat unknown director whose only hit was the modestly successful The Descent."

The site also says that it's confirmed that Berg met with Twilight's Robert Pattinson about playing the lead role of Paul Atreides, but that Pattison's potential involvement is in question now that Berg is no longer directing Dune. Berg's next directorial effort will be the feature film version of the board game Battleship.